Content

The unit aims to introduce students to the basic principles of criminal law and current theories concerning the nature and purpose of criminal liability and punishment. Students will also be required to examine the principal criminal offences and the defences to those offences. Topics include: definition of crime; nature and purpose of the criminal law; the role and utility of criminal law and punishment; elements of criminal liability; participants in criminal activity; attempt, homicide and other offences against the person; property offences; and defences to liability.